Over on my Instragram feed I posted up a few images of my homemade custom mini gimbal that I use for my Panasonic GH4 camera. A couple of comments on the feed wanted a bit more information, so I thought I would post this to the blog.
I'm constantly tweaking this homemade gimbal, but here's a video giving you a bit more insight about just how compact the system is and how well it's been working despite how ugly it looks.
The main part of the gimbal started with this 2 Axis Carbon Fiber Gimbal frame for small cameras. I had to modify it to be a 3 Axis gimbal buying random bits and pieces as well as add the controller and motors.
2 Axis Carbon Fiber Gimbal Frame
The controller is the latest Basecam 32 bit board with dual IMU sensors.
Basecam 32 Bit Gimbal Control Board Dual IMU
The motors are from DYS which are small but powerful enough for the cameras i'm working with.
DYS Hollow Shaft Brushless Motors
I also purchased my own wiring, crimped each terminal, and purchased each plastic dupont connector. So unless you have the time and patience, it's not something you whip up in a few hours. It could take you several days (or months like me).
The PID settings are my own custom configured, which still needs some work. It's as compact as I can make it while still allowing access to the HDMI output for a monitor, and to quickly change out SDXC cards. The top bar is a #PVGEAR carbon fiber 15mm rail using all quick clamping accessories so that I can take it apart and rebuild it in under a minute. To keep things light i'm using a compact Venom 35C 3S battery to shed weight while giving me ample runtime.
Venom 35C 3S 11V Compact Battery
In the example (below) I was testing the GoPro FLUX (twixtor-ish) fake slo-motion option in the GoPro Studio software. I was literally running behind my daughter and you can see how well the horizon stayed level.
In this next example (below) we decided to take our newly 'inherited' dog out for his first Electric Longboard experience.
While it's certainly not 'dirt cheap' to build your own gimbal, I created this for a few personal reasons. Firstly this allowed me to better understand these systems building one from basically scratch. There's nothing like learning hands on and running into all the problems. Secondly, I wanted something small for the pure convenience of traveling when I want to keep my tools as compact and portable as possible. There was just nothing in the market available for under a few hundred bucks so I figured I would build my own.
For interior shots, the fisheye lens combined with this stabilizer has worked wonders (you Real Estate guys would love it). It's also perfect for guys who want to use a small stabilizer while inside of a car (drifting, racing?). And just to show you how compact the system is, here's what the entire system looks like when it's thrown into a small hard case (including GH4 camera, GH4 Battery Charger, Rokinon Fisheye Lens, and Gimbal Battery Charger). It's pretty much everything you need when you arrive at your shoot.
I still don't consider myself an expert in any way, but I think i'm a little more knowledgeable about how these things work. While I don't have all the answers, i've always been open to try and help with what little experience I have so far. If you have any, leave your comments below.
Oh and just in case any of you want to dive into Electric Skateboards to match up with your Gimbals, i've owned quite a few over the last 5 years. Here's one I recommend for it's lightweight, long battery life, and inexpensive price.
Yuneec E-GO Electric Longboard Skateboard
I try to bring my collection of boards wherever I go, and even have one for light off-road use. Here's a few other examples of these boards in use for either follow shots, or as a replacement track dolly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Emm
Post author@Leo - He said he 'widened it to fit an hdmi cable'. The camera fits. If you're frame is a bit too big, you can always cut
with a hack saw. Pretty easy.
carbon fiber tubes
Leo
Thanks for your answer. Does something like this or this work as a motor mounting plate? Did you use 1/4" screws for your clambs? Do they fit through the holes of the plate?
- https://www.goodluckbuy.com/images/detailed_images/sku_97648_1.jpg
- https://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v1/1880934739_1/4x-3K-CF-font-b-Motor-b-font-font-b-Mount-b-font-font-b-Plate.jpg
I have some more questions.
1. How can your GH4 fit into the gimbal? Did you widen the tube?
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?s=9e7b835d29df4cd24832f19e4af460ab&p=25756572&postcount=5
Here is someone saying that he needed to widen the tube in order to fit his NEX 5. The NEX 5 is actually smaller than the GH4... I want to get the NX1 fit into the gimbal.
Now I found three sizes of the gimbal. There is one for the Nex 5, Nex 7 and Gh4.
1. https://www.himodel.com/FPV_Telemetry/FPV_Brushless_Camera_Gimbal_for_Mini_SLR_Sony_5N_W_O_motor_controller_Carbon_Fiber_V2.0.html
2. https://www.himodel.com/FPV_Telemetry/FPV_Brushless_Camera_Gimbal_for_Mini_SLR_Sony_7N_Class_Frame_Kit_Carbon_Fiber.html
3. https://www.himodel.com/FPV_Telemetry/FPV_Brushless_Camera_Gimbal_for_Mini_SLR_Panasonic_GH2_GH3_Frame_Kit_Carbon_Fiber_V2.0.html
- Are the Gh4 and NEX5 sizes the same? The Gh4 Gimbal is out of stock everywhere.
- The NEX 7 size is bigger, although the NEX7 is almost the same size as the NEX 5. So should I get this size instead for a NX1 with a pancake?
- How much space is left behind the camera? Would a NX1 fit? It's 5.5 x 4.0 x 2.6 in. The GH4 is 5.24 x 3.66 x 3.31″.
Emm
Post author@Leo - I forget the parts exactly, but the YAW axis is the same parts used on the Roll Motor. It's a motor mount with a clamp, and so I used one of those. The biggest problem you will run into is trying to balance a camera. The frame you are trying to build is very very small and will only work with a very small camera and lens setup.
As far as batteries in the tube, I have never done that. I'm not sure what it would take to make that work.
Leo
Emm, first of all thank you for your amazing work! I love your calmness in your videos. I have three important questions:
- What parts did you use when you added the third axis? Can you provide the links so other people like me know better what to buy exactly. I am going to buy the same 2 axis gimbal. It would save a lot of time as I don't find the right parts.
- What problems did you have during the building process?
- What parts do I need to fit batteries into the carbon tube? How do I get a closed circuit?
Howard
Emm,
I have completed the frame, motors and wiring. I am now calibrating the IMU's. I did an auto calibrate on the camera sensor and that worked however when I went to do an auto calibrate on the frame sensor I could not get the Frame IMU button to light up. When I click on it, for some reason it won't turn on and returns me to the Camera IMU button. I watched your IMU setup video and noticed that it worked for you with only one click.
Any ideas?
Emm
Post author@Zak Forsman - Awesome, can't wait to see your first samples.
Zak Forsman
That's what I did. The sensors i received are designed a little differently than what's shown in the build video. There is only one port on the controller board, and the sensors have two ports to wire as a series. By hooking them up and connecting to the board via USB, I was able to tell which sensor was which. Emm demonstrated this in his build video.
BTW Emm, thanks so much for all the work you put into the build guide. I've never soldered anything before and your videos made the whole process super easy. I've got some minor things to sort out with mine, but can't wait to get flying!
Emm
Post author@Howard - Different sensors different builds. I would just plug in the usb and move the sensors around to figure out which is which. You don't need battery power to do this, just plug it in via usb and launch the software.
Howard
Emm,
How do you distinguish the camera sensors. What do I look for and how. I have read the BGC manual however the boards and electronics included in the project are not original and some of the information in the BGC manual does not apply. For instance how to identify the 2 different sensors.
The BGC manual says to cut a foil on the back of one of the sensors. However the sensors included in the project have no foil to cut.
I have reviewed most of your videos and have not be able to find a demo of how identify the sensors.
Howard
Emm
Post author@Howard - Contact through the website you purchased it from of course. It shouldn't be a permanent fit. Tap it out through the shaft. Take an emery board (manucure file) to the shaft if you feel it's that tight, but you'll run into the same issue. I've already built two if them, and it will be snug but not permanent.
At this point, probably adk them to send your motor housings back with everything you've done, and they'll assemble that part for you.
Howard
Emm,
Who do you want me to send an email to and where?
Emm, even when I do get the right size shims there is no way I can get the motor housings off of the base plates. Please re-read my emails again because it seems like you don't understand the situation.
Both motorhousings are locked down permanently due to the "snug fit". I am going to need to start over with new: motorhousings, baseplates, driveshafts, shims, and motors.
Howard
Emm
Post author@Howard - The shims should be exactly the same. Nit sure why one is thicker than the ither, but send them an email.
Howard
Emm,
You said that " it is a snug fit" and made no mention regarding the different sizes of shim that were included. So I proceeded.
Since the 1st of 2 shims was too small to fit on the driveshaft I replaced it with a washer that was the same thickness but larger inner diameter. The second shim included was approximately 2 and a half times thicker than the first and did fit onto the driveshaft.
To get the motor housing completely down the driveshaft so it would seat properly onto the base plate I had to use a lot of force to accommodate the "snug fit." I had to drill out a piece of 3 inch wooden dowel, place it on the motor housing and hammer the housing down. This means that I can never replace the motor if it goes bad or even fix a broken wire.
The unit with the substitute shim now rattles because the shim is too thin and is not engaging the inner race bearing. I imagine this is going to contribute to vibration problems in the future.
The second unit with the thicker shim is so tight that if I engage 2 threads on the hold down socket bolts the motor won't turn at all. If I leave the socket bolts out the motor turns.
The 2 problems that I see are:
1.) The shoulder on the driveshaft is too big for the bearing to fit over.
2.) The shims are the wrong size.
Since I can't get the units apart would you send me parts and motors replacements and I will send you what I have? Clearly what was sent to me is not going to work.
Howard
Emm
Post author@Howard - Check the Minigimbal website, it's a snug fit.
Howard
Emm,
I ran into a problem while assembling the motor and motor housing.
The shoulder just below the threaded portion of the drive shaft is too wide and won't seat into the bearing. This prevents the motor housing from sitting flush on the mounting plate.
The problem is with both drive shafts. Also the 2 shims I received have different inside diameters. One fits onto the drive shaft and one is too narrow and does not fit.
Howard
Emm
Post author@Howard - The IMU sensors should be different. There should be a resistor that is either soldered or not soldered and that's how the software can tell which is which. Typically I connect the board to the computer and move each one around while looking at the dials on the right side. You should be able to figure out Frame IMU or Camera IMU and then mark them. As far as opening a blog, not at this time since there are already tons of RC forums (and I have many blog posts too) about tuning PID settings.
Howard
Emm,
I visited RunPlayback.com ...it's dope. You really bring a voice to many things that need to be said. Things that a one dimensional culture is not capable of.
I received the Minigimbal frame parts yesterday, March 16th. I live in Los Angeles.
So I am going to start the assembly process. I have a question regarding the IMU sensors and how to tell them apart before installing them.
I looked on the IMU boards with a 60x jeweler's magnifier which gives me enough magnification to see the individual fibers on the circuit board and read all the components.
The boards appear to be identical. I bought a second complete controller board package and again all the IMU sensor boards appear to be identical. Is it possible that the software has been modified to identify the sensors and use them appropriately?
Lastly, Are you going to open a blog so users can communicate and exchange information which could be edited and used as an FAQ?
Thanks for everything that you are doing. I am so glad that I somehow stumbled across cheeseycam.com
Howard
Emm
Post author@Howard - You can add a digital meter to your gimbal, but also in the software you can set an alarm. The controller will beep when the battery reaches a voltage that you set. I would say the small batteries I use can run over an hour but I always cycle the gimbal off when i'm not using it. You can always run a bigger battery and just mount it to the top handles.
Howard
Emm,
What is the average run time on the LiPo 1000 battery?
How do you know when the battery is getting too low to function?
Thanks,
Howard
Lester
Thanks Emm! Your gimbal designs are amazing!
Emm
Post author@Lester - Those specs sound like it will.
Lester
Hi Emm,
Will this battery work on this? : ZOP Power 11.1V 4200mAh 35C 3S T Plug Lipo Battery Pack F RC
Howard
Emm,
What is the recommended power rating for the on/off switch?
Do you have a recommendation or two?
Emm
Post author@Howard - I've been checking in, and units should start shipping soon. No serial numbers on them.
Howard
Hi Emm,
Feb 23 shipping date is getting near.
Are you going to put serial numbers or your Emm signature on the first production run?
Howard
Emm
Post author@Howard - I'm using a very thin lightweight flexible HDMI cable. It has almost no influence to the balance. It costs money, but I also use it with my Atomos 4K Recorder and it works fine. There are other brands which are cheaper, but I have not tried them.
Super Thin Flexible HDMI Cable
Howard
Emm,
I am almost ready for the frame. Most of the wiring is ready. The project box with power switch, controller board and Blue Tooth nearly complete. I am waiting for battery wire, joy stick,15mm C-clamp and carrying case.
I installed the software and everything that I could test is working.
Question: How do you connect the camera to a monitor or recorder and still be able to use a connecting cable without throwing the camera off balance?
Howard.
Emm
Post author@Howard - I'm not quite sure about the connector size on the IMU and some kits don't even have connectors. I have ordered a few JST kits and each one came in a different size. I am still adding more to my setup and trying different size project boxes too. So I haven't figured out what works best for me.
Howard
Emm,
Thanks for all your replies.I appreciate all your help.
Where can I find the connectors and pins for the Motor cables and the IMU cable. I have ordered the crimping tool but am lost trying to figure out the connector descriptions. In the video you mentioned "Dupont" connectors and "JST" connectors.
What is the pin size of the JST connector for the IMU cable?
Do you have any referral stock Numbers from the All Electronics or Mouser Catalogs. Ebay and China is ok but the 2-3 week delivery time is a pain.
Also would you consider publishing pictures of the control boxes on your different gimbals? It would be nice to see how you set up the different project boxes. I am especially curious to see how you mounted your switch.
Thanks,
Howard
Emm
Post author@Howard - The USB cable is just a basic 'data' cable with Mini-B connection. Make sure you use one that is made for 'data', as some are just used for charging devices. This is an example of one: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-USB--Male-Mini-B-Cable/dp/B001TH7GUK/.
Any basic USB cable will work, but get one fairly long so you can pick up the gimbal and test some moves while you're tuning it and connected to your computer. A good 6 feet USB would be great.
So far I only put ferrite clip ons to one motor (pitch motor) as that is the one that has the sensor wire running through it. It's a good idea to add it to add it the other motors, and sometimes they say add it to the power cables too and they say your gimbals will perform even better - but I only use one for the pitch motor.
The software will usually tell you if you are having any i2C sensor errors. That i2C could be a number of things (bad wire, bad motor, EMI noise), but typically a ferrite clip on cleans things up.
Just take your time, make sure you have good connections in your wiring and insulate your wires with heat shrink to protect it, use tie straps to keep things from moving around. Should be good.
Emm
Post author@Howard - I swap batteries. With an on/off switch about one hour on the small battery.
Howard
Emm,
Another question regarding the battery.
Do you have it permanently attached to the frame and charge it on the frame?
Or do you carry spare batteries and swap them out?
What is the runtime for one battery?
Howard
Howard
Emm,
Slowly parts are arriving that I ordered from China. It is a shame that the US manufacturing and supporting industries have declined to such a point that I have to get everything off shore.
Thanks for all your hard and dedication. I have been following all your videos and Tweets and keeping up to date on your Tiyaga Mini-Gimbal project. By the time you ship the frame I should have all of the parts I need and enough information to complete the project successfully. I really like these kinds of hands on projects! Thank-you!
3 questions:
1.) Where can I find the USB cable that you are using to connect the Tiyaga Mini-Gimbal to your computer and that has the Beads sealed onto the cable?
2.) What connectors are on the cable?
3.) How long is the cable?
4.) Did you put beads on all your motor leads? I only see one motor with beads?
Howard
Emm
Post author@Howard - There is no place to add a dedicated switch, but you can add a plastic project box to cover your board and add the switch to the box. If your box is big enough you should be able to fit a bluetooth module also. I don't know of the exact part number, but you can find information about adding a bluetooth connecting on the https://Basecamelectronics.com user manual.
Howard
Emm,
I don't see an on/off power switch in the parts list or on the Gimbal.
Is there a place to mount a lighted power switch? Do you have a rating suggestion?
Also where do you mount the bluetooth card? What is the item number for the bluetooth card?
Howard
Emm
Post author@Iker - Yes we are planning to sell a kit, hopefully very very soon.
Iker
Hello Emm!
Do you working in the new version of this? Have you some plan for sell something similar? We are a lot of people who interested your creation!
Regards!
Aegean Films
I would buy this if it were available as a kit
Howard
Thanks Emm,for the top bar and handles info.
Do you have any opinion on how the 3 way axis custom mini- gimble will compare to the Sony A7II with a 5 way axis stabilizer? DigitalRev did a review on the A7II using a 300mm lens. It was brief but impressive.
Either way since I like building things I am looking forward to assembling your DIY project.
Kind regards,
Howard
Emm
Post author@Howard - The top bar is about 14 inches across, for side handles I use SmallRig ones.
Howard
Emm,
I am ordering parts to build the small and most recent Movi that you posted information on. Two questions.
What is the length of the 15mm rail (tube) that runs across the top of the Movi?
Also, would you recommend an outlet for handles?
When ever you decide to market your frame parts...I am ready to go!
Thanks for everything that you are sharing. Without your inspiration I never would have made it this far.
Thanks again,
Howard
Cristian Rusu
Hello Emm,
Do you have a link for the hollow thumb screws you use?
Thanks
Brendon
Emm please do a tutorial on the whole build process. With these results and the low price, the video would surely go viral in the film making community.
Very Cool.
Emm
Post author@herofair - In the software there is an option for 'Frame IMU'. You must enable this, and set it to Below YAW (if that's where you plan to place it).
herofair
I bought alexmos sbgc v3.02 lately.
But my two sensors do not work as frame imu.
All work only as camera imu.
GUI displays no frame imu.
So I don't use that.
Do you know the reason?
Emm
Post author@Andy - I may be able to show something different soon. I'm working on another mini gimbal with a custom machined frame. No tools required to balance.
Andy
Hey Emm!
great work, i would also like to build one for myself. I checked all the components you listet and there are still some missing. It would be great if you could add a list and some detailed fotos of you gimbal. Just to help us understanding what you have done.
Toraneko
RE: #24 on the Nebula 4000 Lite:
There is a new video on youtube at:
https://youtu.be/PACWhQw9zqs
in an exhaustingly detailed video (almost an hour long) about how to balance the 3 axis and fine tune it through bluetooth, etc.
The maker put up some very nice looking videos of it at:
https://youtu.be/SwFdD51oM48
https://youtu.be/fZBOMFAE68c
but these of course are the idealized performance - I'd like to see a lot more real user trials. So far I see only one at https://youtu.be/XbG7RaBrbas
and you'll quickly see there is a fair amount of bounce; although the owner said it's more his bad leg and walk than the gimbal. Hmmm.
If it does perform as the makers claim, it would be a very nice and portable gimbal to have.
Petter Sand
Hi Emm!
Thank again for your useful help. Can you list all parts in your small gh4 gimbal? I would like to build one.
Best regards
Petter
Petter Sand
Hi Emm! Thanks Once Moore for your useful help and inspiring advice!
Is It possible for you to list all parts in your small gh4 gimbal? I like Try building My own.
Emm
Post author@Arnaud - First, that sure is an odd way of asking for another test, if that's what your asking for, i'm not sure. Second, if you read the article the video of my daughter running was also me running directly behind her. So there's no skateboard involved.
Finally, if you watched the demo video about the gimbal you can see how perfectly balanced I have it. Your question leads me to believe the only experience you have with gimbals is the Ronin. If you can get a perfectly balanced gimbal, and know what to do with 'tuning' then the results WILL BE SMOOTH.
Besides, you can't buy this gimbal. It takes someone to understand gimbals to build one. I suggest sticking to the Ronin since it's been working well for you.
Arnaud
Hello,
I like your blog but in all honesty sometimes I get a little mad on how you do your testings ! For example traveling on a skateboard is not a good way to test a gimball : Anyone who can seriously shoot and ride a longboard or a freebord doesn't need any kind of stabilization at all to do the cleanest shots while riding.
I use the Ronin+GH4 to run up or down mountains to follow/lead cams on mountainbikes or trail runner...
Southerndude
Kiri:
Yeah I got a gopro gimbal (funnygo), which is great because its very small and so easy to use. Just mount the camera, and instant smooth shots 🙂
Have you had any problems with the FunnyGo? I'm thinking of getting a GoPro Hero 4, and one of these How much did you pay for yours, may I ask?
From what you and Emm are saying it sounds like maybe the real answer is Stabilizers made for specific cameras and lens only, then the axis can be locked and No balance issues, just mount it, and shoot!
Southerndude
Emm, here is a product that looks pretty interesting.
https://www.dslrpros.com/dslrpros-products/drone-accessories/stabilizer-kits/dslrpro-gopro-stabilizer-kit.html
It looks like you get a lot for price.
Emm
Post author@Southerndude - No real benefit. I would turn it off if it were on a well balanced stabilizer.
Southerndude
I have a question, in regards to all these stabilizers. I hope it's not to dumb. But, when you are using a 3 axis stabilizer, do you also benefit from using any OIS of the lens? I just see that sony has announced a new Sony A7II that is FF and has 5 Axis IBIS. Do you think that would be overkill when using a 3 axis Stabilizer? Does anyone turn there OIS or IBIS off when using a 3 Axis Stabilizer?
Pretty excired about this new Sony A7II
Emm
Post author@Daniel - If you're a first timer, buy a kit, don't build one like me. I would look for 'complete kits' that have the latest boards, latest firmware, mostly assembled (if not totally assembled), quality brushless motors, etc. The CAMETV kits have all the updated stuff so they are a great start. There's also plenty of support now that so many people have them. The 7800 version makes things much easier to balance than the 7500, but if you want super easy and folding handles check out the Birdycam2 via Varavon.
Daniel
Awesome post, thank you! I saw you also have a Came 7500... how does your home-built one compare in your estimation and what would you recommend as a first gimbal for someone just starting with them?
Nick Bicanic
dude. awesome.
I'm still waiting for a free weekend to finish balancing my tweaked 7000 (which basically looks like the 7500)
The build and mechanical balancing is not the problem for me - it's programming Alexmos that's the problem 😉
Kiri
Yeah I got a gopro gimbal (funnygo), which is great because its very small and so easy to use. Just mount the camera, and instant smooth shots 🙂
I just wish I could find something like that for my m43 setup.
This thing Emm has put together looks pretty much what I want, but I don't think I'm up to the task of putting it all together (><)
So hopefully someone makes something like this soon for sale.
Emm
Post author@Liang - No stabilization in post. That's me running (with my bad knees) right behind her with my mini gimbal. The music was a free download from YouTube's creative music library.
Liang
Emm, every second of the shot where you daughter is running is epic. If only it was somewhere in open field of grass. The shot was so smooth!
By any chance, did the footage get stabilized again in post? Also what was the score that you were using in that video?
Southerndude
Well, I have been through the build and configure world and it's not easy, AAll though the Came-TV 7800 looks promising. For me to invest in one now, the price would have to be $1000.00 US, and it would have to be flexible to handle both mid size Mirrorless and the smaller lighter Cameras and Phones, with tooless balance adjustments.
and PID's that work with specific Camera Lens combo's.
It will happen soon I think.
Derrick
@Emmm @Kiri...There's a discussion on the Nebula here in this Usergroup on Facebook if you're not aware. You may have to join but it's pretty informative on the BMPCC. httpss://www.facebook.com/groups/mybmpcc/
Emm
Post author@Kiri - Hard to tell from the videos and photos, but without a proper way to balance the 'pan' axis you will always get jerky movements. This was a problem with their other nebula gimbal (no YAW adjustment).
Hopefully we'll see a better review of one, but right now it looks like every axis is pretty much fixed which is a problem when trying to support different cameras and lenses. The GoPro gimbals on the other hand can be fixed since the GoPro only comes in one weight and dimension.
Kiri
That Nebula 4000 looks interesting, but the demo videos they have on there aren't very assuring. There are a lot of weird jerky movements. Not sure if its the gimbal or the operator.
Has anyone actually tried it out? I couldn't find any reviews.
Emm
Post author@Nelson - Looks nice and portable, but a bit pricey right now and limiting to what accessories you can add with the handle. I can't imagine the low mode would be very smooth. Hopefully the price comes down to around $400 or so.
Emm
Post author@Samuel H - Right now i'm using a cheap balance charger because it's tiny, but really the better chargers (which I use for my larger CAMETV gimbals) is this one:
Balance Charger for NiMH/NiCD/Li-PO/Li-Fe Battery
Emm
Post author@Jon Swanson - That's the hardest part for someone like me. The 'detailed guidance' is time consuming. I'll try to get to it, but the holidays keep me busy.
Emm
Post author@Kevin - The problem right now is that everything comes in various pieces and is make-shift. Yes, I think I learned enough to make a better one second time around, but this means starting from a custom machined frame. I have some friends in a machine shop, so we'll see if there's a possibility. The wiring and tuning is still time-consuming as well so perhaps it would just be a DIY Gimbal Frame Kit and a parts list.
Emm
Post author@patrick rebstock - I made a lot of mistakes putting this together and spent more than I should have. It was all a learning experience for me, but I would say maybe around $400-$500 dollars?? Not to mention the countless hours of trying to understand what I was doing...
Emm
Post author@mike ford - Yes the control board is the same found in many of the other gimbals on the market, and I even use this same setup with my 'micro' GoPro HERO4 gimbal that I was working on.
Emm
Post author@Paul - Here you go.
Folding Gimbal Stand
Paul
Where did you get your gimbal holder?
mike ford
Good stuff!!! Very cool! Quick question... would you use that 3-axis control board on a larger gimbal setup (5dmk3 w/ 16-35mm)? Would it work from a pure specs perspective?
patrick rebstock
Hey emm,
been looking for a small gimbal for handheld and multirotor, what would you say you spent on this to get it kitted up?
Kevin
I have also been waiting for the market to produce something like this for the A7S. You have already gone through the learning curve, so you should start assembling these and selling them? If you started a Kickstarter project I would put money down. My guess is with your followers you can easily raise a lot of money for this to be a well funded Kickstarter project.
Jon Swanson
How about a tutorial with how to out one together from parts to construction. I'm certain i have the tech skills to do it with some detailed guidance.
Kirin
Would you consider making detailed step by step instructions on how to make this?
Nelson
Anyone seen this? https://shop.chdntech.com/nebula/nebula4000-lite-gyroscope-gimbal-stabilizer-bmpcc-gh4-nex-eos-m-a7s.html
Probably the first portable 3 Axis Gimbal that for sale on the market
Samuel H
Nice.
What charger do you use for the battery?
Kiri
From what I can tell, there is nothing on the market like this for smaller camera systems. Even the CAMETV etc don't seem ideal for m43 or similar small systems.
Kiri
This is EXACTLY what I want!!! Please make one for me! lol
Emm
Post author@Terry Mickie - It's pretty time consuming and the cost of parts doesn't make it a good value. Most people will be better off with something like the CAMETV gimbals.
david
where did you get your top handles and other rods from.
would love to see a kit from you
Terry Mickie
Any chance you'll sell a few at an EXCELLENT price???
Emm
Post author@Paul - Thanks, "necessity is the mother of invention" they say, and because I couldn't find exactly what I needed I just had to try and build one.
Paul
Awesome! You're the first to pull it off! There's a "SteadyMaker" out there which fails utterly. The killer app is a 3-axis portable gimbal for cameras heavier than a GoPro or smartphone, and basically, you're first.